Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,169, James Farris, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Farris, James
N. 24169
Betsey
or Elizabeth
CONTENTS

Reported
807. Maine Betsey Harris widow of James Harris who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of July 1848 and sent to
H. Bradford, Portland Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page // Vol. )

Chas Pearce Dep s
Hon Rich R. Williams Senate N.S.

I Charles Beane of Hebron Oxford County and State of Maine aged sixty-six years on oath testify & say that as near as I can recollect fifty three years ago Mr. James Farris of the said Hebron lived in the house with my Father, family and with his Wife Betsey who had at that time two children and one more soon after - the said James Farris died about fifteen years since and his said Wife Betsey has remained a Widow ever since - I further say that I have was been familiarly acquaint- ed with the said James he being a member of the same church of which I am a member and well recollect that the said James went forward in my presence to apply for a pension under the act of 1818 but finding the oath was so strict as to the property he should possess he declined pressing his claim saying he would not take the oath so that he would come under the act as to property for all the town of Hebron - and I further say that the said Betsey Farris who lives in the town of Hebron is the identical person who was the Wife of the said James Farris I was acquainted with 53 years ago
Charles Beane
Cumberland County S.S. Feb. 7 th 1885 I have been acquainted with Mr Charles Beane above named twenty-one years past & know his statements for truth can be relied on on

— personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him sub- scribed to be the truth according to his best recol- lection. Before me Joshua Parsons justice Peace
State of Maine
Cumberland ss.
I Charles Fox; Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Cumberland and State aforesaid; do hereby certify that Joshua Parsons and Joseph Freeman Esquires are magistrates; duly appointed and commissioned to act as such; within and for the County aforesaid; and I further certify that the signatures purporting to be theirs, and annexed to these papers are Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this Eighteenth day of January A.D. 1839
Charles Fox Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Cumberland

Affidavit of George Tarris

I George Farris of Hebron in the County of Oxford & State of Maine do testify & say; that I have lived in the house with Betsy Farris, who is my Grandmother, more than thirty three years; that I have never seen nor known of any family rec- ord of her marriage with James Far- ris who was my Grandfather. I am well acquainted with her Bible & know there is no such record of her mar- riage in it. & further saith not Jan 9. 1839. George Farris
Sworn before me Jan y 10 th 1839
Then appeared George Farris & made oath that the foregoing affida- vit by him subscribed is wholly true & that I know him to be a credible witness Before me
Joshua Parsons
Justice of the Peace

Application of Betsy Harris for Proof of the service of James Harris or Phoebe in the Revolutionary war.
To the Secretary of State Massachusetts,
The undersigned widow of James Harris late of Hebron in the County of Oxford requests the Secretary to furnish from the rolls & other documents remaining in his department relating to Military service in the war of the revolution the evidence of the service of her husband James Harris deceased.
Her husband entered the service from the town of Patrick Mass on the 17th of April 1775 and was in a company of Militia that was called out at that time to drive the British troops from Concord to Boston. That he immediately enlisted into a company and served during the year 1775 8 mos. She is unable to state the name of the Capt of this company.
In the year 1776 he again enlisted and served the whole of that year as she believes & was at Crown Point and Ticonderoga. She has also heard her husband say that he was in the service other campaigns, she knows he & served at least one campaign after she was married to him. She has heard her husband say that he served under Capt Bacon one or two campaigns. She believes that a man by the name of Joseph Haws served with her husband in two of his campaigns but she

is unable to state what campaigns there were. She requests therefore that the Secretary of State will make a thorough examination of all rolls & documents relating to the service of said James Harris, and grant a certificate of the same Witness
Betty her X Farris mark
Nancy L Bearel Cambridge Ga. April 23 d 1845 signed in my presence A Bradford justice of the Peace.
1204

4201
Declaration of Betsey Farris for Pension Me. V 4201
act 7 July 38
In shed 23
Harris
4. Sep. admiral Smashin
26.66/100
no deduction
J. Keith Est
Hm A. D. Brown
Osford MR
me

State of Maine
Oxford County ss. On this First day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty nine personally appeared before the Court of Probate now sitting at Paris within & for the County of Oxford aforesaid, Elizabeth Harris otherwise called Betsey Harris a resident of Lebanon in said County of Oxford aged Seventy Six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay of pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of James Harris late of Lebanon aforesaid deceased, who was a Soldier of the United States in the Revolutionary War - that according to her best recollection & belief the said James served Eight months in the vicinity of Boston in the year AD 1775, the Captain's name was Hilton or Clinton or some similar sounding name - that the said James again enlisted & served one year in 1776 in Capt. Wymans company - that he the said James afterwards served several other periods - one of nine months, in Capt. Bacon's company; and one other how long she knows not, in the same Company (Capt. Bacon's -) She is totally unable to give the particulars of said service, or the names of the officers with any certainty - She has reason to believe & does believe that the said James served in all nearly four years - but it is not in her power to state more particularly than she has already done.
She further declares, that she was married to the said James Harris the first part of November, A.D. Seventeen hundred & Eighty One - the day of the month she can not recollect - that her husband the aforesaid James Harris died on the Sixth day of April, A.D. Eighteen hundred & twenty three - that she was not married to the said James before her left the service, but the marriage took place prior to January, Seventeen hundred & ninety four, in - at the time above stated; and that she has remained

a widow ever since the death of her said husband as per record — her
Witness J. Emery
Betsy
X Harris mark
Given to & subscribed by the said Betsy Harris, alias Elizabeth Harris the day & year first above written in open Court. Before Stephen Emery, Judge

Chas Adams Affidavit

James Ferriss and Elizabeth Dunn both of Natick had their Intention of Marriage published, Octo r seventh one thousand seven hundred and eighty one.
I Chester Adams, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of the Town of Natick in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figure as follows: "Octo r 7 th 1781."
Chester Adams. Town clerk of the town of Natick.
I Chester Adams above named depone and say, that I hold the office of clerk of the town, county, and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract of the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me; and it is the only record of or, in relation to the marriage of James Ferriss and Elizabeth Dunn upon said town records. — And I further depone and say, that I hold all the official records of said town relating to be in existence in relation to the returns and records of marriages — That there was no Parish records kept within the limits of said town until the year A.D. eighteen hundred and twenty — That the Records of said town which existed in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one are now in my possession, and no record

of the marriage of James Farris and Elizabeth Dunn is to be found upon the records of said Town.
Charles Adams, Clerk of the Town of Natick. —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss —
On this Eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty eight personally appeared Chester Adams the afore- -said deponent a person of truth and veracity and well known to me, and made oath to the truth of the statement above made and subscribed by him.
Before me William Farris Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, November 28, 1838
I hereby certify that the above named William Farris, was at the date of his attestation a justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the day above written.
John P. Bigelow
Sec'y of the Comm'ty

I William Chipman of Oxford in the County of Oxford and State of Maine on oath depose testify and say that I am Eighty Two years of age and upwards and in addition to my former Affidavit made in April or May last I now state that I have lived a near neighbor to James Harris & Betsy Harris his widow twenty five years and upwards. While I lived near him and about the time that the pension law of 1818 was passed, he told me that he served one campaign at least with Joseph Haws late of Minot & have heard said Haws say that he served with James Harris in the army. James Harris told me that he and his brother William came to this country from England when they were young and I have heard the widow of James Harris say that her husband's father & mother died previous to their coming to this country. I never heard or saw a man by the name of James Harris except the one who lived a neighbor to me as above stated either in the service or any other place.
I perfectly well recollect a conversation with James Harris in his life time which leads me to believe that he was in the service in Canada or near the lines in first part of the war. He told me in a political conversation one day that

he had reason to respect the British character for he owed his life to the exertions of a British Captain at one time when taken prisoner and in the hands of the savages. He told me that while he was in the army he was taken prisoner at or near a place called the Cedars and that he and others fell into the hands of the Indians. He said that he was present at their war dance around their captives and saw some of the prisoners tomahawked during their horrid ceremonies of savage triumph. He said that the British Captain caused them to desist by presents of rum. He said that he was in captivity only a short time. James Harris was an older man than myself & I should think that he would be at least ninety years old if now living. The oldest child of said Harris is townman of mine & I should judge him to be over sixty years of age. Wm Chipman
State of Maine
Cumberland ss. September 11 th 1845 Then appeared the above named William Chipman known to me as a man of truth and made oath to the above affidavit by him signed
Before me Freeman Bradford justice of the Peace.

I, Ethel Jennings of Natick in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath depose and say that I was Eighty years of age on the eighteenth day of August now last past. I was born in Natick and have always resided here. I knew James Farris who had a brother by the name of William Farris; they came from England or Ireland when they were boys and previous to the American Revolution. William afterwards removed to Newburyport and James remained in Needham and Natick; he was a laboring man and sometimes resided in one town and sometimes in the other as he could be best employed, and always resided quite near the dividing town line; he never owned any real estate to my knowledge either in Needham or Natick; he seldom lived more than one mile from me and was often employed in burning Charcoal. at the
I further testify and say that said James Farris was a soldier in the Army of the American Revolution, but how long he served in the War, or in what Company he marched, or in what year, I cannot now recollect.
I further depose and say that I was well acquainted with the girl who was married to James Farris, her name was Elizabeth Dunn, she was a daughter of Samuel Dunn of East Sudbury (now Wayland). They were married in Natick, at a house about one third of a mile from the residence of my father. I do not recollect being at the wedding though I might have been. James Farris had an Uncle by the name of William Farris, who had been a British Officer and had retired from the service upon a Pension. This William Farris had been a Capt.

in the British Navy, as Report said, and came to this Country some years previous to the Revolution and purchased an Estate and resided on the same in That part of Needham called "Needham Seg", being a strip of land projecting from the main town line into what is now set off to Natick. I lived at my fathers in Natick, a distance of about one hundred rods from "Needham Seg" which was a dividing line between Needham and Natick. James Ferris & wife removed, after the Revolution, to some town in the state of Maine, but into what part of Maine or the year of their removal I have forgotten.
I further depose and say, that Elizabeth Ferris, the widow of said James Ferris, came to Natick a few years ago, in pursuit of the evidence of her marriage and visited me: She has also been to Natick within three or four years and received some small avails of real estate that she inherited as an heir to the estate of one of the Dunn family in Natick. — I have always been acquainted in Needham and Natick and never knew any other man by the name of James Ferris, than the one testified concerning; and if any other man of that name had ever resided in either of those towns, or the towns adjoining, I think I should have heard of it.
Ethel Jennings
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex County, ss { Natick December 2 nd , 1845. Then personally appeared the above named Ethel Jennings known to me as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed: —
Before me: Chester Adams , Justice of the Peace.

Ref
am
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24169
Betsey Harris Widow of James Harris Rev Rev War
Act: Feb 2 nd 1848
Index:—Vol. A Page 288
[Arrangement of 1870.]

4201. Let. to Hon. V. D. Parris, February 14, 1839.

Maine 2193
Betsy Farris
Widow of James Farris who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 6 April 1823 of Oxford in the State of Maine who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Burn of the 1 st Regt. commanded by in the Mass. line for Increase from $26.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 76. Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of February 1836, and sent to Freeman Bradford, Portland, now Present.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Mear Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 4.

Maine 1960
Ref. by letter
Betsy Harris
widow of James Harris
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Increased from $26:66.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of February 1846 and sent to Freeman Bradford of Portland, new Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
June 17 1846
Recorded in Book 1. Vol. 2. Page 3.

See letter to Hon. A. K. Parris Aug. 5. 1839-
Mollie - 2193
Betsy Farris, widow of James Farris,
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 6 th Ap l 1823 - of Oxford in the State of Maine who was a P m in the Arty command by Captain Bacon of the R y command by [blank] in the M ap 4 th line for 8 m th on [blank]
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per ann m to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of M ch '39, and J. J. Keith, Oxford, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of M ch - $ 79.99 Semi-annual allow ce ending 13.33
$ 93.32
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by Book A
Z. Burleigh Clerk Vol. 1 Page 9

Maine
1940.
Netsey Harris
widow of James Harris
who was a Private
in the Mass. line
for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 25 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Feb. 1843 and sent to
Hon. S. P. Harris
Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1. Page 4
Let to Mr. Bradford August 23. 45

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
I Charles Coll
Clerk of all the Judicial
Courts in said County, certify that,
Joshua Parsons is a Magistrate
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated March 16 th A. D. 1843- and will expire March 16 th A. D. 1850 and that the following signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this eighteenth day of July Anno Domina 1843.
Charles Coll
Clerk.

Portland Jany 2 d 1845
Sir
Enclosed are affidavits of Chester Adams Asa Kingsbury Wm Farris & Ethel Jennings all relating to the claim of Betsey Farris widow of James Farris for an increase of Pension under the several Acts of 1838 1843 & 1844.
The widow claimant in this case is in dis- tress circumstances, and it is desirable that her claim be adjusted with as little delay as possible.
I am Very Respectfully
Your O bt Servt:
Freeman Bradford
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Farris
Uxford Mr March 12th 1899
Mat
at me.
free
Con L Edwards Commis n of Pensions Washington City.

Oxford, Ms., March 13th 1839 Hon J L Edwards.
Your letter of the 14th February 1839, directed to V D Parris Representative to Congress from this District, relating to the papers in the case of Mrs Betsey Farris, Widow of James Farris deceased, has, by Mr Parris, been transmitted to me who prepared said papers & forwarded them to him. I was well aware that the terms of her husband's service, all except the first term of eight mo, were set forth imperfectly, & feared they would not admit of a satisfactory examination, Still it is impossible for her to set them forth with any more precision, & we can find no farther testimony to corroborate her case. Comparing the Acts of June 7th 1832 & July 17th 1838, she will, I suppose be entitled to receive an amount bearing the same proportion to $200, that eight months bear to two years, viz, $66.66. Even that sum will bring some relief to the old Lady, who is extremely poor. In case a certificate is granted her please forward it to me with as little delay as convenience & circumstances will admit. I oblige your Hon Serv t
Hon J L Edwards Com r of Pensions. Washington

Portland Maine
July 15 th 1845
Sir
I forward the application of Betsey Farris, widow of James Farris, who claims an increase of Pension under the act of 1836. The evidence herewith adduced shows a service of 23 months, but some doubt exists, whether the marriage in this case, was previous to the last period of the husband's service as shown in the annexed certificate. If the case as now presented, will not come within the provisions of the law of 1836, I presume the papers herewith exhibited, will warrant the issue of a certificate for at least 23 months service, under the act of July 7 th 1838. Will you please to examine whether the revolutionary records in your Office show any service of James Farris in 1776.
I am very respectfully Your Obed Servt F. Bradford
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Increase to $76:66 per ann.
Acts '38 - 43 & 44
Cert: to Freeman Bradford of Portland now Present

Washington City
Feby 17 th 1846
Sir
In the case of Betsy Farris widow of James Farris, I am instructed by the applicant to claim a pension under the several acts of 1838 1843 & 1844 for twenty three months service of her husband.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt: Servt:
H. Bradford
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Payment to be made at
Portland, by W. Woodbury Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2, Page 3.
D. Brown
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the acts of March 3, 1843, } Betsey Farris, of Maine, } June 17, 1844 } widow of James Farris who was a Private in the Revolution and died on the 6 th day of April 1823 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Seventy-six dollars and Sixty-six cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4 th March, 1848, unless the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death. Issued in lieu one for $26:66, cancelled. Former payments to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 17 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
W. L. Marcy. Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

I William Harris of Natick in the county of Middlesex and commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath depose and say, That I am fifty-five years of age and have resided in said Town, with the exception of two or three years, ever since I was born. — About forty years ago, James Harris and his wife who then resided in some town in the state of Maine visited my father. — Father and James Harris were said to be Cousins and I have no doubt of the fact. —
James Harris was said to have a brother by the name of William, who resided in Newburyport. I have always been told that James Harris and William Harris were born in England and that they came over to this country before the Revolution. — This James Harris who afterwards removed to Maine was reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that he resided with my Grandfather or in the neighborhood where he resided, in the time of the Revolution. My Grandfather was a British Officer who had retired upon half pay by reason of reduction of the British Army at that time and lived, as I have always been informed, upon a strip of land which was a part of Needham and projected from the main town line and was called "Needham Seg," now a part of Natick. I reside upon the same place which has regularly descended to me. My Grandfather died in Natick in or about the year A.D. 1789 aged about Eighty-eight years. — as shown by the inscription on his grave stone A few years ago, the widow of James Harris visited me in this town and was then in pursuit of the evidence of her marriage; her maiden name was Elizabeth Dunn as I have good reason to believe before marriage, and has within the last

four years received some money or property that fell to her on the death of Elizabeth Drury, Widow, who was one of the Dunn family. I never knew in this town or in Needham any other James Harris than the one before testified concerning, nor did I ever hear of any other man of the name. "Needham Sec," as it was called, was a narrow part of the town which projected into what is now Natick and the boundary line between that part of Needham and Natick was only about one hundred rods from the residence of my Grandfather. This part of the territory of Needham, called "Needham Sec," was set off from Needham and annexed to Natick about the year A.D. 1797.
William Harris Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss. to Natick, December 27, 1845. Then personally appeared the above named William Harris, known to me to be a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. Before me: - Chester Adams , Justice of the Peace

Betsy Ferris
Payment to be made at Portland, by A. Newhall Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year. First payment to be made 31st December, 1838.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 1 - Page 9 by
R. Burdin Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Betsey Garris, of Maine, widow of James Garris deceased who was a Private during the Revolutionary War, and died on the sixth - day of April 1823 - is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of twenty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty eighth day of March - one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
J. P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countermanded.
J. L. Seward Commissioner of Pensions.

I Chester Adams of Natick in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of Natick and have in my custody and keeping all the ancient Books of Records belonging to said town. In one of those Books purporting to contain a record of births, deaths, marriages and intentions of marriages, I find the following, to wit: "James Farris and Elizabeth Dyer, both of Natick, had their Intention of marriage published October seventh seventeen hundred and eighty-one."
I further testify on oath, that the above is a true extract of the record as recorded on the book above specified, with the exception of the date, which is written in fair legible figures thus, "Octo r 7 th 1781."
I further testify and say that I have made diligent search in the above said book and cannot find the marriage of said James and Elizabeth recorded therein, and I am unable to find any record of their marriage upon any other book in my possession.
I further testify and say that I have been Town Clerk of Natick about twenty years and have resided in the town of Natick for the last twenty four years, with the exception of being absent from April 1827 to April A.D. 1828. That from the year A.D. 1807 to A.D. 1821, I resided in Needham & within one hundred rods of the town line dividing Needham & Natick; that from the year 1799, to 1807, I resided in Dedham a town adjoining Needham, and during all that time I have never known any man residing in this town or the town of Needham by the name of James Farris.

I have made enquiry of some of the old people of this town & of one, who says he is a relative of a man of the name of James Tarrif, who was reputed to have been a soldier in the American Revolution and married a woman by the name of Elizabeth Dunn, and after the marriage, it is said, removed into the State of Maine; and it is also said, that there never was in this town only one person of the name of James Tarrif.
I have heard old people say that there formerly resided in this town a Capt. William Tarrif, who had been a British Officer and who had retired from the service upon half pay, or pension, previous to the Revolutionary war. This man resided at that time upon what was called "Needham See", which was a part of that town and which projected into Natick or before stated & which has been set off to the latter town since the Revolution. Tradition says that James Tarrif and William Tarrif who were brothers and nephews to the British Officer came to America a short time previous to the Revolution. I am unable to say from any information I have obtained whether they resided at the house of their Uncle, or not.
I further depose and say that I find upon one of the ancient books in this office, called the "Treasurer's Book" for the Parish of Natick, the following Entry. "To paying James Tarrif his order 480 - 0 - 0" This Entry has no date prefixed, but it stands recorded with thirty seven other entries made of payments made of orders without date prefixed, all of which are entered between the dates of May 28, 1781 and March 6, 1782. —
I further depose and say, that I find upon the Treasurer's

Book aforesaid, the following entry, to wit. —
"1782" "In silver money"
"To paying James Farris part of his order bearing date November 23 rd 1781. L. — 1 — 2." —
In this year from March 6. 1781 to March 6. 1782, there are fifty six entries made in the Treasury Book aforesaid for orders paid, none of which have the dates of months or days prefixed thereto.
I further depone and say, that I find upon the Treasury Book aforesaid, the following entry, to wit. —
"1783"
L. S. D.
"To paying James Farris his order 3 — 12 — 7"
In this year from March 6. 1782, to March 3 rd 1783, there are sixty entries made upon the Treasury book aforesaid for orders paid to individuals, and comprise all the entries made within that year, none of which have the dates of months or days prefixed thereto. —
The above Entries contain no other specifications than the above but upon the same book there are Entries made in which particular services in the War are mentioned, but at a previous time.
From the appearance of the book and entries therein, I have but little doubt that the amounts paid to James Farris was for services rendered in the War of the Revolution. Needham adjoins Natick and the residence of old Capt. Farris was within one hundred rods of the dividing line as the towns were situated at that time. —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Chester
Middlesex County ss - December 27. 1845. Then personally appeared Chester Adams, above named, known to me as a person of truth and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed as true.
Before me. —
Nasels Eames
Justice of the peace

I Asa Kingsbury of Needham in the County of Norfolk Middlesex , and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose and say that I am Town Clerk of Needham and have in my custody all the old books belonging to said Town. In one of the old books in my possession I find the following entry made to wit
Needham February y e 6 th and 9 th Days 1778 Then the Select Men granted a bill to each of those men hereafter named the several sums Perfix to their names, for money paid and services done in the present war and ordered Mr Amos Fuller Town Treasurer or successor in said office to pay the same viz as Followeth:
I further state that in the list of names to whom bills were granted is the name of James Harris and against his name are the following figures to wit 13. 6. 4 which I understand and believe to be Thirteen pounds Six shillings and four pence. I have examined the old books in my possession and in another book I find the following to wit "To James Harris £ 13. 6. 4." The above is all that relates to James Harris on the records in my possession. I further testify and say that I am seventy years of

of age and was born and brought up in Needham and have had the Town books for the last twenty two years past. I never knew of any James Harris within in Needham or Natick but the one whose name I find on the Town books.
Asa Kingsbury } Town Clerk of Needham
Commonwealth Massachusetts
Norfolk Ss. December 24 th 1845 Then personally appeared the above named Asa Kingsbury who is the Town Clerk of Needham, and has been for nearly twenty two years, and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is a true copy of from the records of said Needham
Before me
William H. Page
Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston December 29 th 1848
I hereby Certify, That on the eighth day of March eighteen hundred and forty four, William Blagg was appointed for the term of seven years, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston December 24 th 1843
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty fourth day of January eighteen hundred and forty five, Chester Adams was appointed Justice of the Peace (and Quorum) for the County of Middlesex (for the term of seven years)
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
C. G. [unintelligible] Secretary of the Commonwealth.

F. Bradford Portland Maine

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston January 1 st 1846
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty fourth of March eighteen hundred and forty three Moses Earle was appointed for the term of seven years, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Maine
Cumberland ss. Jany 2 d 1845 The foregoing papers contain the testimony required by the Commr of Pensions in rela- tion to the claim of Betsey Harris widow of James Harris
Messrs Burdick Justice of the Peace

State of Maine.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that,
— Freeman Bradford is a Magistrate —
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is _____ duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission bears date February 14th A. D. 1839 and will expire Febru- ary 14th A. D. 1844. _____
and that the following signature purporting to be _____ his are genuine. _____
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this Sixteenth day of July Anno Domini 1845 _____
Charles Cobb CLERK.

I William Chipman of Oxford in the County of Oxford and State of Maine aged 82 years at  at now being at Portland on oath say that I have resided in Hebron now Oxford thirty six years and was well acquainted with and a neighbor to James Harris late of Hebron . When the law of 1818 was passed James Harris had a conversation with me about making an application for a pension and stated that he did not feel free to make a declaration that he was in need of assistance from his country & stated that to be the reason why he did not make a declaration. James Harris was in independent circumstances at that time & owned a large farm. After this I heard said Harris & Deacon William Barrows talk of their revolutionary services & I then heard Mr Barrows say that he knew James Harris in the Army & was with him , & my belief is that they stated to each other that they met at Morristown. I heard said Harris then say that his regiment was in the State of New Jersey, but do not recollect whether he told me who his officers were. I have frequently heard said Harris say that he was at the taking of Burgoyne but do not know whether he was in the Continental troops or Militia. Betsy Harris the widow of James Harris now resides in Oxford
Wm Chipman
Cumberland Ys. May 7th 1845 Then appeared William Chipman known to me as a man of truth and made oath to the above affidavit by him subscribed. Before me Freeman Bradford justice of the Peace

Memo
The declaration of William Barrows is referred to, made for the benefit of the act of 1832 in order to show the time of the service testified to in the within affidavit of William Chipman. J. Bradford

H. Brufford Portland, Maine

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
July 7 1840.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of James Harris is borne as a private from Nedham , (adjoining Natick ) upon a return of Capt s Samuel Hilton's comp y . in Col. John Patterson's reg t . in the 9 months service of 1778, enlisted April 24 a . and upon the coat roll dated Charlestown Camp, Oct r 27 Joseph Haws was in this comp y . — The name of James Harris is further borne upon a list of the 9 months men from July 1779 to — 1780 as a private in Capt s Marshall's Comp y . Col. Marshall's reg t . from Aug t 26, 1779 to May 24, 1780. — the towns to which the men severally belonged, are not named upon this list but the names of three men are also found upon it in the same comp y . being the same names found with that of James Harris upon Capt. Hilton's roll in the service of 1778, viz. John Fuller and Jeremiah Gay of Nedham, and John Libbe , and the names of said Fuller and Gay are also found with that of said Harris upon the following disbursements.

6 months service — the name of James Harris is borne as a private from Natick, upon several lists, pay and muster rolls, from which it appears that he served for that town from July 15, 1780 to Jan y 15, 1781, including allowance for 700 miles travel, 6 months, 10 days, in the Continental Army at the north. The name of said Harris is not upon any roll of Capt n Bacon , but John Bacon was 1 st Lieut of the Comp y under Capt n Hilton.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peasey, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Betsy Farris wid: of James Farris for ben: of act of Feby. 21 1848
Ad
1940
Admitted
F. Bradford Portland, Maine

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss:
CLERK'S OFFICE, JUDICIAL COURTS,
Portland,
July 13th A. D. 1848
I, Charles C. Warman CLERK of all the JUDICIAL COURTS in and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
Joshua Parsons is an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is
Duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said Parsons is dated March 16th is dated A. D. 1843, and will expire March 16th A. D. 1851.
and that the his are following Genuine.
SIGNATURE purporting to be
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Chas C. Warman , CLERK.

Alfred of Joseph Hawes
7-11-1845 in hand

I Joseph Haws of Minto in County of Cumberland and State of Maine of Full Age do testify and say, that I was acquainted with James Duran of Hoback in the County of Oxford & State of Maine (Lately deceased) I was knowing to his entering in the United States Army in the American Revolution in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five and he served eight months under Capt. Hilton and was honorably discharged and that the aforesaid James Duran afterwards enlisted for one year in the same war and served under Capt. Wyman and was honorably discharged. General Washington gave him ten dollar bounty to serve six weeks longer which time he served well.
Attest Joseph Freeman
Joseph Haws Mark
Cumberland Is. April 27 1837 personally appeared the aforesaid Joseph Haws and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed Before me
Joseph Freeman Justice of the Peace
Cumberland Is. January 12 1839 I for the County of Cumberland do hereby certify that Joseph Haws is a man of truth & veracity & worthy of belief
Joseph Freeman Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
On this 23 d day of April 1845 personally appeared before me the subscribed a justice of the Peace Betsy Harris a resident of Halloway in the County of Oxford and now at Portland in the County of Cumberland, makes the following Supplemen- tary declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Con- gress passed July 4 th 1836
And this applicant believes that her husband James Harris entered the service of the United States at the time of the invasion at Lexington in 1775 from the Town of Natick Mass. when he served during the Revolution any war. She is unable to state the name of the Capt- ain whom he served but she believes that he con- tinued in the service the whole of the eight months of 1775. She also believes that her husband served the whole of the year 1776 and she has heard him say that he was at Crown Point during some part of that year.
She has heard him say that he enlisted under Capt- Hanson some time during the war but she is unable to state any particulars of the service of her hus- band. She knows that her husband was absent in the service after she was married which was 64 years ago last November.
Her said husband James Harris died at Halloway on the 6 th day of April 1824, and that she made a declaration some years ago for the benefit of the pension acts and that she was placed upon the pension roll of Maine at the rate of about $26.00 per annum. The exact sum she is now unable to state not having her pension Cert t .

icate now with her. She now claims an increase and arrears of Pension to be computed agreeable to the endowment benefits an act etc and she refers the Commission to the proof in the papers now in his department so far as the same relates to her marriage Witness.
Betsy her mark Harris
Nancy L Brace
Cumberland Jy. April 23 d 1845 I sign and swear to by the above named Betsy Harris the day and year above written By me Freeman Bradford.

2666
Belvey Farris
$26.66 per ann
Hon. A. K. Parris Present

State of Maine } ss. Cumberland County }
On this fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, Betsey Farris, a resident of Hebron, county of Oxford and state aforesaid, aged eighty-one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March, 1833, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of James Farris, who was a Private during the Revolutionary war, but the Regiment or corps for which he served, she does not now recollect, and she received annually twenty-six dollars and sixty-six cents under the act of July 7, 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Signed in presence of Elizabeth Parsons
her Betsey X Farris mark
The above named Betsey Farris I am personally acquainted with, and know her to be the widow as above declared! — Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written —
Before me Joshua Parsons justice of the Peace

State of Maine Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 2 a February 1848 entitled "an act making further provisions for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
County of Cumberland S.S. On this Tenth day of July 1848 personally appeared Betsey Farris a resident of Minot in the County of Cumberland aged 86 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress, passed the 2 a day of February 1848 granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
And this declarant states that she is the widow of James Farris late of Hebron who as she believes served in the Company of Capt Samuel Hilton's Regt in 1775 8 months, and in Capt Marshall's Co in Col Marshall's Regt in 1779 & 80 - nine months or more and also in same company to your applicant not known in the year 1780 & 81 6 mos & 10 days This applicant further states that her said husband resided in the Town of Natick or Needham at the time of the revolutionary war and served other towns of service as will appear by the testimony

Now on file in the Pension office. She further states that she was formerly a pensioner of the U. S. under the act of 1838 at the rate of $26.66 per annum, which pension was increased in February 1846 to $76.66 per annum and that she has been paid at that rate under the several acts of 1838, 1843 & 1846. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Witness Wm Cobb Jr
M. A. Parsons
her Betsy K Farris mark
I do hereby subscribe the day & year first above written Before me
Joshua Parsons { Justice of the Peace
I certify that Betsy Farris is personally known to me to be the identical person she describes herself to be in the foregoing declaration.
Joshua Parsons

Solomon Parker Depo

I Solomon P. Parker of Princeton in the County of Worcester eighty years of age having been cautioned & sworn do depose and say that I was at the wedding of Betsy Dunn who lived at my House in Natick in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts. & said Betsy was Married to James Ferris at my House & I see them joine hands in the year of our Lord 1781. and was Married by Josiah Stone Esqr I recoted it very well for I went after said Justice.
Solomon P. his Parker mark
Worcester ss. March 17 th 1837. Then the above named Solomon P. Parker to me personally known appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence. Before me.
Charles Merick Jus. of Peace
I also certify that the above Deponent is in my Opinion is entitled to full credit as witness.
Charles Merick Jus. of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Say's Affia. March. 25. 1837.
I hereby certify that the above named Charles Merick is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester in this State, & was such at the date of the above attestation. In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth.
John P. Bigelow Secy of the Commonwealth